Natural soap is specially formulated using only natural ingredients and manufactured to preserve the integrity of these ingredients. In contrast, traditional soap is made with synthetic chemicals, preservatives, artificial dyes, fragrance oils and petroleum products. Natural soap avoids these ingredients to provide safe, gentle skin and hair care.

Natural soap has been used for centuries with the first known soap-like substance made in 2800 BC in Babylon. A clay tablet was found with a natural soap recipe consisting of water, alkali and cassia oil. Natural soap made from vegetable oils was made by Muslim chemists in Medieval times. Their recipe consisted of vegetable oil, aromatic oils and lye. In modern times, natural soap is used throughout the world by people seeking an alternative to the popular but harmful mainstream bar soaps.

Natural soap is used for bathing and washing. There are also specialty natural soaps available for pets and children. It can be used in the same way traditional soap is used only without the chemicals, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin or fragrance allergies. People with unique skin and hair types can use natural soap successfully when commercial soap has failed to provide benefit.

Natural soap can be made at home and tailored to suit the needs of any skin type. It leaves glycerin and other natural moisturizers behind to nourish the skin. Essential oils used in natural soap have aromatherapy benefits in addition to antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Natural soap is rich in antioxidants and nutrients. It contains no artificial additives, colors or preservatives that cause irritation.

Many companies falsely claim to offer "natural soap" but fail to provide what they advertise. Read the ingredients before purchasing natural soap. One indication of non-natural soap is the label. Real natural soap will have the word "soap" printed on the label. Synthetic soaps will not. Natural soap contains only pure essential oil and not synthetic fragrance oils. These fragrance oils may be called nature identical oils, perfume oils, parfum oils or potpourri oils. They should never be present in natural soap.

Natural soap is made using botanically sourced ingredients that occur in nature. It is typically manufactured using the cold process. Natural soap contains high concentrations of vegetable oil, especially olive oil. This soap leaves the skin feeling soft and smooth, never tight or dry. They are more expensive than traditional soap but much more beneficial for the health of the skin, body and environment.